Tumbling into 2013 – A sampling of Orcas Center events coming this winter

From theater based on historical scientists to spectacular dance moves to unfurling the mysteries of love – Orcas Center has it all coming up in the next three months.

“It’s all different,” said Kara O’Toole, Orcas Center director, about the upcoming lineup. “It just seems like everything is getting richer and more diverse.”

Theater

“The Life of Galileo” by Bertolt Brecht and David Hare will be performed on the OffCenter Stage, Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, and Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The show is $15, $11 for students, and $2 off for Orcas Center members.

The play, directed by Robert Hall, shows how Galileo was initially celebrated as a great man of the Renaissance – until the church condemned his teachings, fearing that he would begin to question the order of the social system, too. It also questions the scientist’s responsibilities in the face of an oppressive government.

The cast of “Galileo” started rehearsals during the fall and in late November were met with tragic news. Maria Massey, who was cast as three characters and also worked as the stage manager, died after she had been reported missing for two days. Hall and the cast were left shocked and saddened. They struggled with the decision to continue with the play. In the end they chose to continue.

“Either we honor her in not doing the play, or honor her in doing it. And doing it is the right choice,” said Hall in a November letter to the editor. “‘Galileo’ will be dedicated to her and a special showing of ‘Galileo’ will take place closing night.”

Hall requests that if anyone wants to contribute to that celebration to contact him through the center.

Comedy

“The Magistrate” from the National Theatre Live series is Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. on Center Stage. Tickets are $18, $13 students and $2 off for Orcas Center members. John Lithgow takes the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero’s “uproarious” Victorian farce. The play is directed by Timothy Sheader.

“I’m really excited about the ‘Magistrate,’” said O’Toole. “From what I have seen it is hilarious.”

Music

“Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music” is Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m. on Center Stage. Tickets are $18, $13 students and $2 off for Orcas Center members.“Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music” is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in full-screen technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along.

The show has been a worldwide hit, playing to packed houses across the globe with more than 10,000 performances in 11 different countries. O’Toole said there will also be a costume contest, so wear you best lederhosen.

Opera

Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” from The Met: Live in HD series is showing Sunday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. on Center Stage. Tickets are $18, $13 students and $2 off for Orcas Center members. Director Michael Mayer has placed his new production of Verdi’s tragedy in Las Vegas circa 1960. Inspired by the antics of the famed “Rat Pack,” it stars Piotr Beczala as the womanizing Duke of Mantua and Zeljko Lucic as his tragic sidekick, Rigoletto.

“It should be interesting,” said O’Toole. “I’m always curious about a new production twist.”

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